2. Purpose
• The purpose of this module is to provide
you with a general overview of:
– The Art, Science and Philosophy Underlying
Chiropractic Care
– Medical Terminology Used in the Field
– What Constitutes Chiropractic Care
– The Benefits of Receiving Chiropractic Care
3. Learning Objectives
• Upon completion of this module you will
be able to:
– More Effectively Communicate With
Chiropractors
– Interact With Chiropractors With a Shared
Understanding
– Convey How Our Products Will Enhance
Chiropractic Care and Treatment Strategies
4. What is Chiropractic?
• By Definition:
– The science and art of locating and relieving
nerve interference.
5. What is Chiropractic Care Based On?
• The Science: The body is a self-regulating,
self healing organism.
• The Art: Spinal adjustments.
• The Philosophy: Doctors don’t heal, only
the body can heal itself.
6. How Do Chiropractors Work?
• The Approach: Locate, reduce and help
prevent nervous system dysfunction.
• The Strategy: Treat conservatively—avoid
invasive procedures or addictive drugs.
• The Purpose: Reduce interference to your
own inborn healing ability.
7. What Type of Education Do
Chiropractors Receive?
• Four-year science undergraduate degree
• Four-year program of Medical and Chiropractic
education
• Postgraduate instruction
9. Myths About Chiropractic Care
• Not “real” doctors
• Not based on science
• Adjustments can wear out joints
• It’s not safe
• Results are just “placebo” effects
• You have to go for the rest of your life
10. Why Do Chiropractic Treatments
Work?
• Improved nervous system function can
have a positive effect on many health
conditions.
• When the nervous system is functioning
properly, the body is able to maintain
health.
11. Anatomy of the Spine
(Handout No. 1)
•Three major sections made up
of individual bones called
vertebrae:
•Cervical (7
vertebrae)
•Thoracic (12 vertebrae)
•Lumbar (5 vertebrae)
•Below the lumbar spine is a
bone called the sacrum, which
is part of the pelvis.
13. Why is the Nervous System
Important in Chiropractic?
• The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal
cord and millions of nerves that control the
various functions of your body.
• The spinal cord is protected by the 24 moving
bones of the spine, called vertebrae.
• Improper motion or position of the vertebrae
can cause nerve interference.
14. How Nerve Interference Occurs
• The vital nerve communication of the spinal cord
is vulnerable because of its design.
• The spine is designed by pairs of nerve roots
that branch off the spinal chord from between
each vertebra to service organs and tissues of
your body.
• Many everyday activities can cause the vertebrae
to lose their normal position or motion, causing
vertebral subluxation complex.
16. Vertebral Subluxation Complex
• Etymology:
• Vertebral: concerning the bones of the spine
• Sub: less than
• Luxation: a dislocation of a joint
• Complex: more than one part
• Definition: When spinal bones lose their
normal position and motion due to stress,
trauma or chemical imbalances.
17. Five Component Parts
• Abnormal motion or position of spinal bones
(spinal kinesiopathology)
• Abnormal nervous system function
(neuropathophysiology)
• Abnormal muscle function (myopathology)
• Abnormal soft tissue function (histopathology)
• Abnormal function of the spine and body
(pathophysiology)
18. Spinal Kinesiopathology
Abnormal Motion or Position of Vertebrae
• Restricts ability to turn and bend.
• Caused by:
• physical trauma: improper lifting, car accidents, repetitive
motions, poor sleeping habits, slips, falls
• emotional stress: worry, negative thoughts, fear
• Chemical stress: alcohol, drugs, toxins, pollution, improper
diets
• Sets in motion other four components.
19. Neuropathophysiology
(Abnormal Nervous System Dysfunction)
• Abnormal spinal function can rub, pinch,
irritate or choke delicate nerve roots.
• This can impair the function of the tissues,
organs and systems controlled by these
nerves.
• This can result in symptoms at target sites
throughout the body.
20. Myopathology
(Abnormal Muscle Function)
• Muscles impaired from too much or too
little nerve supply respond in different
ways:
– weaken, waste away or atrophy
– become tight and go into spasm
• Scar tissue and adhesions penetrate these
malfunctioning muscles, changing their
elasticity and tone.
21. Histopathology
(Abnormal Soft Tissue Function)
• “Slipped” discs don’t exist. Discs are soft,
pulpy and filled with fluid.
• They can tear, bulge, herniate and
degenerate, affecting other soft tissues in
the area.
• Swelling and inflammation often result.
22. Pathophysiology
(Abnormal Function of the Spine and Body)
• The body responds to malfunction or trauma to
a joint by growing new bone to stabilize the
area.
• Over time, calcium deposits build up and
eventually create bone spurs and other abnormal
bony growths.
• If ignored or neglected long enough, the body
can turn a once mobile joint into a solid block of
bone.
23. How Is A Vertebral Subluxation
Complex Treated?
• Primary care is chiropractic adjustments.
• Additional treatments can include:
• Cryotherapy (Ice/Cold Treatments)
• Superficial Heat (Hot Packs, Heating Pads)
• Massage/Trigger Point Therapy
• Electro-Muscle Stimulation
• Whirlpool
• Ultrasound
• Intersegmental Traction (Roller Tables)
• Exercise Therapy
24. What is an Adjustment?
• The use of a specific force in a precise
direction, applied to a joint that is not in its
proper position, fixated, “locked up” or not
moving properly.
• The adjustment restores proper position and
motion, and encourages proper expression.
• Adjustments relieve pain and improve health.
25. Are Patients Adjusted the Same Way?
• There are hundreds of ways to adjust the spine.
– Some adjusting methods are quick
– Others require slow, constant pressure
• Normally, chiropractors use their hands or a
specially-designed instrument to deliver a brief and
highly-accurate thrust.
• Chiropractors are highly skilled in the delivery of a
variety of approaches in adjusting the spine.
26. Is Chiropractic Care Safe?
• Chiropractic has an excellent safety record: only a
handful of patients per year will have a negative
newsworthy experience.
• Thousands will die this year from anesthesia,
needless back surgeries and prescription drugs.
• Adverse reactions to prescription drugs are the
fourth-leading cause of death in the United States.
28. How Long Are Chiropractic Patients
Treated?
• Initial Intensive Care
• Frequent visits, dependant upon severity of the condition.
• Primary focus: reduce or eliminate most obvious symptoms.
• Corrective Care
• When pain diminishes, spinal function is stabilized.
• Muscles and soft tissues of the spine are strengthened to
help avoid a relapse.
• Wellness or Elective Care
• Many patients enjoy regular checkups.
• This keeps minor problems from becoming more serious.
29. Conclusion
• The primary focus of chiropractic care is the
normalization of nervous system function.
• Chiropractors are dedicated to the principle that
the body can and does heal itself.
• Chiropractic care provides a mechanism through
which pain-free and healthy living can be
restored.
Editor's Notes
Like a director leading an orchestra, your brain and nervous system control the function of every cell, tissue, organ and system of your body.
Throughout the body, degenerative changes can be seen in other organs and systems. Many health conditions not normally considered related to “back problems” can often be associated with the spine.
Vertebral Subluxation Complex is the underlying cause of many health problems and is recognized by its five component parts. The five component parts occur simultaneously.
Nerves can be choked or compressed like traffic congestion at the site of an accident or breakdown.
Nerves can become overexcited and hyperactive, sending irregular messages, like sparks jumping from a welder’s grinder.
While commonly associated with spinal problems, the pinched nerve is actually quite rare. Research suggests that only 10% to 15% of spinal-related problems are caused by direct pressure of bone on nerve tissue. More frequently, nerves are irritated due to improperly functioning spinal structures.
Like the stronger team engaged in a sporting event, overdeveloped muscles on one side of your spine can cause individual spinal bones to rotate and lose proper function .Long-standing spinal problems results in scar tissue, like the gristle in an inexpensive cut of meat. This damage to supporting muscles is why adjustments don’t seem to hold and repeated corrective care visits may be necessary.
Unlike most other tissues in the body, discs and ligaments have a poor blood supply. This can make the healing of soft tissues a very slow and time-consuming process.
In fact, complete healing often requires continued care even after the relief of obvious symptoms. We’ll cover the three types of care and their duration later in the presentation.
While often seen in the elderly, this degenerative condition is not part of the normal aging process. This type of spinal decay is the result of spinal problems which have been ignored or neglected for many years.
Like brushing your teeth, eating wholesome foods, exercising regularly and other healthy habits, regular chiropractic check-ups make sense.
